A connecting rod is an essential part of the engine. The rod connects the piston to the crankshaft. The turning of the crankshaft causes the turns of the rod, which in return moves the plunger up and down simultaneously. When you have a bad connecting rod, it can get your engine destroyed.

However, not many of us can tell when they have a terrible connecting rod in their engines. In consideration of this, we present to you a list of signs of a bad connecting rod. These include;

1. Decreased Oil Pressure

When your engine has a bad connecting rod, it can result in unpleasant effects on the pressure based your engine oil. Your engine has an oil pressure gauge that will update you on internal pressure levels. You can also consider warning light regarding the pressure that displays on your dashboard.

Decreased oil pressure means that your engine oil is not circulating as expected. As a result, it can make the engine get overheated. And this can result in permanent damages if the issue is not taken care off with immediate effects.

2. Knocking or Tapping Sounds from the Engine

Another great way to tell if your connecting rod is faulty is to listen for the presence of a knocking sound when you start the engine.

At most of the time, the noise will be worse when the engine is still cold. However, as the engine warms, the noise can completely stop.

If the oil does not have a chance to circulate correctly in the engine and lubricate it thoroughly, the sound can last for as long as the engine is running. The rod knocking vibration will be hollow and will speed with the rise in the engine’s RPMs.

3. Increased oil consumption

If your connecting rod is failing, it will increase the rate at which the engine consumes the oil. As a result, the oil levels in the engine will always read low.

It means that the present oil will need exchange often than usual. Also, it’ll increase the cost of running your car, boat or the machine you’re operating.

4. Expert Inspection

If you want a sure way to check if your connecting rod is entirely okay, consider disconnecting the engine. Examine the connecting rod, the piston wrist, bearings and crankshaft to see if the whole connection is good.

It’s an expensive way of making sure that you have a good rod. However, it’ll serve you the specific findings you seek.

5. Bent Crankshaft

Having a bent crankshaft is a clear indication that you have a bad connecting rod. A bent crankshaft will cause disconnection with the piston resulting in a “throwing a rod” condition. And this can see your engine damaged beyond repair.

To avoid challenges as the ones named above, consider using custom connecting rods. The rods are sturdy and come in a variety making sure you make the best choices.

Having a bad connecting rod is one thing that will see your engine destroyed beyond repair if quick responses don’t get administered. By following the above observations and strategies, one can easily tell if his engine has got a bad rod. Make sure to seek professional replacement of the bad rods. By doing this, you help in preventing extreme damages to the engine.